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adsfasdf Essay Oh, theyve encased him in carbonite. He should be quite well protected. If he survived the freezingprocess, that is. C-3P0 As any Ugnaught will tell you, theres more to Cloud City than just Dark Deal or a bad case of gas. One ofthe more eagerly awaited features of Cloud City was Carbon-Freezing, and, although it isnt exactly themost stable strategy to base a deck around, it can still serve as a healthy deterrent to anyone foolishenough to attempt a takeover of Cloud City. But before you can serve your guests a chilled side of Solo, youll need to stock up on a few items. Mostvital is the Carbonite Chamber, where it all comes together. Contrary to what you may think, its often bestto hold off on deploying the Chamber until all the necessary components for freezing are in hand, since, ifyour opponent occupies this battleground site, you face an automatic penalty to your Carbon-Freezingdestiny draw. Naturally, youll also require either All Too Easy or Carbon-Freezing to activate the Chambersmechanisms. All Too Easy is the better side strategy, requiring neither a captive nor a separate destinydraw, but it can only be pulled off once and lacks the hefty 8 Force loss incurred by Carbon-Freezing(unless, of course, you happen to have Pray I Dont Alter It Any Further face-up; keep your Darth Vader WithLightsaber handy). Carbon-Freezing also has the additional advantage of being eligible for Twilek Advisor. Nothing like starting the game with a head start!Youll also need some means of artificially enhancing your destiny draw for Carbon-Freezing. After all, itsnot like there arent too many 11-destiny cards out there. The Chamber alone adds two to your draw, butthats not always enough. Ugnaughts can serve as both cumulative one-point bonuses to your destiny, andPrepare The Chamber can also strengthen your chances of success. Its all easily found by flipping a fewswitches on the Carbonite Chamber Console, a handy-dandy device that boosts your Carbon-Freezingdraw by three. And, finally, youll require a captive. While this stipulation may have been bothersome back in the earlydays, recent innovations have made it less of a hassle. You can begin the game with a captive in play ifyoure using the Carbon Chamber Testing. Objective, or you can steal your opponents captive if the Light Side is using Rescue The Princess. Oo-ta,Goo-ta, Solo? is a hassle-free way to take a few captives if your opponent is a Nabrun Leids fan. HiddenWeapons is a nasty surprise in battle, and All Wrapped Up makes capturing a natural result of battle. Butsome of the best options available have horror of horrors! green borders. Zuckuss Snare Rifle andDengars Blaster Carbine are both weapons that can snag captives, and both can be deployed on yourbounty hunters easily with Jabbas Through With You. And we must not forget the terrible IG-88 With RiotGun, a take-all-prisoners killing machine who cannot even be battled, making him a perfect Sniper. Now that you have everything you need (finally!), its easy to freeze. Just draw, add your modifiers, and voila!Theres your frozen captive, who is far more secure than other captives, since hes encased in liquid metal. Furthermore, your opponent loses eight Force, quite a hit to take. If you wish, you can go for the big gunswith two wicked Utinni Effects. The Emperors Prize is just the ticket for that player who thinks Luke andcompany is all he needs to stop any threat. Once young Skywalker is frozen, relocate him to the DeathStar: Detention Block Corridor with his old man and your opponent loses half his Life Force! While it mayseem like a long shot, its easy to find the Detention Block, either with Sonic Bombardment or the morerecent Any Methods Necessary, and who doesnt play with Vader?If your opponent is more of a team player, you can set a lovely trap for him with Were The Bait. Freeze anyone of Lukes best buddies and watch the farmboy scramble to save them, since hes losing three Force aturn. If he tries to cheat and hire Nabrun Leids, you may as well play Oo-ta, Goo-ta, Solo? and earn yourselfanother Rebel juice pop in the making. READ: Anarchy EssayAll this may seem like it takes too much deck space to be worth the trouble, and in many cases it is. Butmany of these cards have other applications. Ugnaughts are notorious patrons of a certain Den OfThieves, they admire Abyssin Ornaments and Ugloste gives them more bang for the buck. Prepare TheChamber, aside from increasing your Carbon-Freezing destiny draws, can add an extra battle destiny ifyour little porkers are defending. And, if youre using This Deal Is Getting Worse All The Time/Pray I DontAlter It Any Further, theyll even increase your total battle destiny by four points when theyre with Imperials!All Too Easy is a less card-intensive means of freezing Luke, Han, Leia or Chewie if youre interested inThe Emperors Prize or Were The Bait. And the mechanic fits right into capturing-related decks. We would be honored if you would join us.Darth Vader All this is only scratching the surface. Cloud City can support almost any sort of deck you can imagine. From the popular Dark Deal to the deadly Carbon-Freezing, there are more kinds of decks that can bebased on Bespin than nearly any other system. It might be worth your while to take a long, hard lookthrough your binder and reconsider cards and concepts you may have forgotten two years ago. You justmight find a Surprise or two. And the drama! Zube and Zube give Cloud City two thumbs up. Time for some equality!

Recession & tourism industry in London during 2007-2010 Dissertation

Recession & tourism industry in London during 2007-2010 - Dissertation Example The tourism industry in London serves as the epitome of how the recession greatly ravaged several industries, given that it is considered as specialising in the provision of services that are secondary to human needs. However, the gravity of the matter herein is that this development does not auger well for the entire economy, since tourism provides important socio-cultural, economic and political values to any given economy. It is for this reason that studying the impact of the 2007-2010 global financial recession on tourism becomes needful. Introduction That financial vibrancy of an economy affects different industries therein is a matter that is beyond gainsay. This is so since austere economic constraints compel people to seek more economically viable alternatives. This is particularly the case when the industries involved are seen to be peripheral to human needs. Specifically, recreational and tourism industry are very vulnerable to financial meltdown that may take place at eith er the national or global level. This is because tourism is considered marginal to values that are sacrosanct to the sustenance of human life. Man eventually prioritises his needs during the times of financial recession as a way of eradicating unnecessary expenditure, so that he can eventually keep afloat. This is to say that the global financial recession of 2007-2010 affected the tourism industry in sundry ways that can be seen in the discussion that ensues forthwith. Part 1: Purpose of the Research The research topic of this research is determining the different ways in which the global financial recession of 2007-2010 affected the tourism industry. This is not to mean that the essence of the research is mainly limited to the chronological time frame of 2007-2010. On the contrary, by looking at the effects of the 2007-2010 global financial recession, one can determine the manner in which the variable which is economic recession can affect tourism and recreational industry. The im port of this above is that the main objective of this study is to determine the manner in which the global financial recession of 2007-2010 affected the tourism industry, so as to bring about a myriad of corrective measures and policies that can keep tourism afloat, even in the face of serious financial challenges. In turn, the need to keep tourism vibrant perennially is underscored by the socio-cultural, economic and political values that it (tourism) endows a nation with. No sooner than an economy downplay the importance of tourism than for its foreign policy begin to lose effectiveness and efficiency. The setting of this research undertaking comes against the backdrop of 2 years that succeed the 2007-2010 global financial recession. The 2 years which succeed 2007-2010 the global financial recession are significant in this research, given that it allows for adequate observations and rumination over the dynamics that the 2007-2010 global financial recession may have acted upon the tourism industry. This ensures that information that shall have been gathered on this matter will be as comprehensive as is needed in scholarly discourse. The need for a comprehensive discourse is underscored by the dictates of objectivity in academics. It is only by being objective that one will be able to see the relevance of 2007-2010 global

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients is Illegal and Unnecessary Essay

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients is Illegal and Unnecessary - Essay Example Employees are required to prove their innocence while showing no outward signs of using illegal drugs. Many would say that violates not only the U.S. Constitution but the precepts of any free society. A more egregious example of an overzealous drug policy is the recent growing trend to require welfare recipients, residents of public housing and other forms of public assistance to be tested for drugs prior to receiving assistance. These policies do not save money or lower the rate of drug use. What they do is oppress and humiliate the most vulnerable of society, the poor and minorities, and constitute a considerable and unwarranted invasion of privacy. At the heart of this passionate political debate are demeaning and inaccurate portrayals of people who â€Å"typically† receive welfare, characterizations that are not supported by evidence. One such stereotype is of the drug or alcohol addicted â€Å"welfare queen† who continues to bear children so the amount of her assis tance checks increase and she can buy more drugs. Drug testing the poor is unquestionable popular among voters due to the prevailing yet misinformed opinion that the poor are lazy and undeserving of government help, â€Å"why should I work to pay for ‘them’ to sit at home all day?† is a commonly heard phrase. ... The facts, however, mirror this perception. Laws meant to purge the system from â€Å"drug abusing welfare cheats† do not accomplish what they are intended to do and are most likely unconstitutional. For example, drug testing people on welfare is supposed to save money, that’s the main argument. The 2008 Great Recession caused a great financial hardship to individuals as well as all levels of government. Saving money by eliminating waste is a popular political stance but the money saved is relatively small amount and is often exceeded by the cost to implement the testing law. â€Å"Idaho recently commissioned a study of the likely financial impact of drug testing its welfare applicants. The study found that the costs were likely to exceed any money saved.† (Cohen, 2012). An extensive peer-reviewed study found that a only a small minority of public assistance programs recipients such as Medicaid, food stamps, WIC AFDC and SSI, contrary to common opinion, have drug and alcohol problems, about five percent abuse drugs and six percent have an alcohol dependency. (Grant, Dawson, 1996.) A report from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism confirmed several other studies which found welfare recipients do not use or abuse drugs or alcohol at a rate higher than the general population. A separate study discovered that nearly three-quarters of adult drug users are have full time jobs. The arguments for drug testing welfare recipients do not square with the facts or the reality of the situation but the laws are politically popular due to the broadly help belief that the poor deserve unequal status and should be punished by society for their financial circumstance. This society would

Cybercrime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cybercrime - Essay Example Apart from this, it also reflects the computer-content acts with regard to the confidentiality along with accessibility of the computer systems (NCPC, â€Å"Preventing Identity Theft: A Guide for Consumers†). Thesis Statement. This study intends to delineate definitions and examples related to cyber-theft and cyber vandalism. Apart from this, the study will also determine the reasons and significant challenges with respect to the traditional law enforcement and other issues associated with cybercrime. Cyber theft primarily refers to an act by which the internet is used in order to steal, interfere or enjoy someone else’s property. In simpler term, cyber theft is executed to derive others’ financial and personal information for illegal use. One of the examples of cyber theft is hacking of a bank’s computer data for wrongfully transferring the financial information and monetary amount i.e. ‘Nigerian prince email’. Another example of cyber theft is hacking of accounts of Barclays Bank (The Huffington Post, â€Å"Barclays Bank Cyber Theft: 8 Arrested For Allegedly Hacking Computer System, Stealing $2 Million†). Vandalism is the concept that reflects an action that involves the destruction or damage with respect to the public or the private property. Cyber vandalism is carried out mainly using electronic information. It has been further observed that specific crimes with regard to cyber vandalism include website defacement. Furthermore, the attacks with respect to social web pages are also regarded as cyber vandalism. One instance of cyber vandalism is the hacking along with impairment of ‘Google’s Pakistan page’. The hackers’ replaced the logo of the ‘Google’s Pakistan page’ by ‘two penguins walking up a bridge at sunset’ (The Express Tribune News Network, â€Å"Cyber vandalism: Hackers deface Google Pakistan†). Moreover, the other example of cyber vandalism is gaining access of the United

Strategies for Confessions and Interrogations

Strategies for Confessions and Interrogations Interrogation refers to a method of questioning that is usually used by investigating officers such as police, detectives, or military to obtain information from a suspect (Michael, 2007). Interrogation is a process that is allowed in law as defined by the constitution, but not all forms of interrogation are legal or even ethical from a moral point of view. In United States for instance the form in which interrogation must be undertaken in order to obtain a confession from a suspect are governed by the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Michael, 2007). The techniques of carrying out interrogation are not strictly defined by law but guidelines exist that define the limits by which procedures of interrogations must be done. Indeed the type of interrogations that exists and the form it can take are as varied as they are unethical. Generally interrogation techniques can be described in two ways, those that are legal and the ones that are carried out using illegal methods (Michael, 2007). Legal interrogations are defined by each countries law on the subject. However illegal interrogations are not specifically defined per se, but only categorized due to their nature, depth and breadth. The shapes in which illegal interrogation can take are many and cannot be exhaustively defined or even accounted. They are the most common types of interrogation that are usually subjected to suspects regardless of the countries legislation pertaining to the subject, including United States which is seen as the model of constitutional law. These forms of illegal interrogation are generally referred as torture (Michael, 2007). This is because they almost always involve inflicting of physical pain or deprivation of a vital necessity that directly contribute to normal body function such as sleep deprivation, alternating temperatures. However interrogation is not only limited to suspects but is also commonly done to witnesses and crime victims as well. Let us briefly analyze the nature of interrogations most commonly used both legal and illegal. In order to ascertain the level of significance of truth that exists for a person writing a confession under these circumstances. Legally there are four forms of interrogations that are routinely applied by law enforcement worldwide. One technique is use of suggestive words or statements that imply through conversation a notion of promise or threat to the person being interrogated (Kassin, Appleby and Perillo, 2010).. An interrogator therefore suggests to the suspect in no conditional or uncertain terms the possibility of the suspect being given lenient sentence if they were to cooperate. Or makes known availability of discriminating evidence that a witness to the crime has already recorded. This technique is also sometimes referred as deception since most of the time it involves downright lies (Kassin et al, 2010). Whichever the approach that an interrogator will choose it will have an impact to the suspect confessing to the crime. This is because under the circumstances of interrogation his rights will have been compromised. This method is not in any way defined as illegal in many countries, including United States. Another method of interrogations used is Suggestibility. It is built no two important assumptions, that the suspect will believe and accept the implied statements and two that they will act by confessing (Kassin et al, 2010). This method usually involves techniques such as sleep deprivation and sometimes use of drugs that inhibit the ability of mental functions to resist or think logically. The techniques used in this method seem to border on torture and are allowed in some countries as interrogation method. Another method is Goodcop/Badcop (Kassin et al, 2010). A technique used by an investigator that strives to alienate the suspect with the particular detective. The bad cop undertaking the interrogation intentionally exhibiting rough methods such as manhandling. Consequently, the idea is to make a suspect hate the cop and in the process be able to cultivate another relationship with another investigator brought in intermittently and who projects empathy, understanding and consolation. This is a notion that most researchers believe is part of the criminology theory. It elaborates on the main cause of crime, although this shall not be considered in depth. Finally there is the Reid technique, an interrogation process that focuses on a suspect body language to analyze the behavior of the suspect in order to tell if they are lying (Kassin et al, 2010). It is a technique that requires an investigator to have specific interrogation skills and high level of knowledge in behavior analysis. It is usually used by senior detective who have conducted numerous interrogation procedures. Body language analysis is an art that is taught to all FBI officers, that they apply in routine investigation tasks as Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). It is a legal form of interrogation allowed by almost every other country but it is not without it criticism. This criticism pertains to the conduct of the parties involved in the deed. Another method that is very much related to this is one that applies polygraph tests to suspects in order to tell if they are lying. Polygraph is a scientific device that analyzes brain structure activity and heart beat levels to ascertain the truthfulness of answers to statements (Kassin et al, 2010). The other forms of interrogations are the ones whose confessions are not admissible in court and usually involve torture. United Conventions Against Torture defines this type of interrogations as torture (Michael, 2007). But torture is not used to define illegal interrogation alone. It defines torture as ..any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental. Is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him, or a third person, information or a confession? It goes on to define torture as acts such as punishments without necessarily intention for information or confession (Michael, 2007). It also defines and includes discrimination and coercion as torture. This form of interrogation and torture in general is illegal according to the International Law. The Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions have ratified torture to be illegal even when directed to prisoners of war (Michael, 2007). UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights prohibits use of any form of interrogation which it considers to be Human Right Violations. The forms that illegal interrogations can take are many and sometimes the techniques themselves cannot be clearly explained to belong to one category or another. What is clear though is that interrogations in whichever form are an effective form of obtaining confessions, and certainly one of the methods that contributes to the success of criminal convictions in courtrooms. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, states..No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself (Michael, 2007), a clear reference to a confession. And if such evidence was presented in a court of law then the law is required to view it with suspect and observe discretion (Michael, 2007). Indeed the regulatory mechanisms that have been put in place to guard against coerced confession are numerous and are informs of legislative laws and court rulings. United States for instance provides that Miranda warnings be read to a suspect at the time of arrest (Inbau, 2008). The Miranda statement serves to make the suspect aware of their right under the circumstances. All this procedure indeed proves that the nature of confessions given by suspects through all forms of interrogations in general is usually highly doubtful. But since confession is a product of the interrogation procedure, the method of the interrogation is a huge determinant to the nature of confession that a suspect is likely to make (Inbau, 2008). For instance interrogation through torture can be said to be effective in one way. Since a suspect is more likely to divulge valuable information at times of unbearable physical pain than it is possible for them under any other circumstance. Sometimes the notion of threat is alone can achieve this. What is important to note in this case is that this method is probably only effective when the goal is information and not a confession. On the other hand using torture to obtain a confession cannot be said to present a high probability of the confession statement being truthful. For the simple reason that a person under dire physical pain or strived of vital physical necessities would almost do anything that would ease the pain at all cost. The priority in that case is to deal with the present condition regardless of the consequences associated with the confession. Perhaps the reason why most law enforcement agencies worldwide resorts to torture interrogation mostly when what they is require is information (Inbau, 2008). Torture is against human rights. Although in certain cases, torture will be recommended and opposed to other forms of interrogation. Torture should only be used when information that is critical to saving lives is required from a terrorism suspect. The torture employed should be a matter of personal preference until the suspect surrenders the pertinent information. However the likely hood of obtaining a truthful confession is seen to be high when legal interrogations procedures are used which plays on the suspects fear such as deny of freedom. And which also uses the components of promises, threats and deception appropriately. These are interrogation techniques allowed and the confession obtained is admissible in a court of law. However the interrogator should only be in pursuit for the truth since false confessions cannot be upheld by a court of law. Ultimately the nature of a confession that is obtained whether truthful or not through interrogation method does not matter so much. Since it is provided by law that confessions can be retracted at any point by the suspects if they just so much like mention their confession was not obtained in proper method. In any case conviction of a suspect does not so much depend on the confession by itself but is based on the outcome of a full trial. Hence I would say interrogation certainly results in truthful confessions, but it depends with the independent variable which is the nature of interrogation. Therefore interrogation method can be said to be the independent variable and the truthfulness of the confession as the dependent variable, since it outcomes is influenced by the method of interrogation. The ethical implications posed by the interrogation methods that are used are one that depends on the definition of ethics, since ethics is a relative term. If the saying that the end justifies the means were to hold true then indeed ethics must be found their place in the issues that surround interrogation. Ethics are defined as value, belief, principle and convictions that a groups of people hold to be noble in their life and which they strive to practice in their everyday life. It is the highest moral perception and ideals that a community works to promote and which they have desire to be associated with the larger community. Interrogation by itself is in no way an ethical process and the attempt to introduce ethics in interrogation methods would perhaps require that the purpose of interrogation be redefined. In interrogation a suspect is meant to divulge information that is usually self incriminating so to speak, through confessing probably to crimes committed. Interrogation aids in the preservation of human rights. Indeed, all suspects have equal rights as those who are free and have not been arrested. Hence, using this method ensures that the criminal justice agents do not go against the human rights as required by international law. Therefore, the suspects are required to be truthful and perhaps remorseful as well. In doing so an interrogator is supposed to achieve this according to defined ethical procedures that have been put in place. But ethics have no place in interrogation and one is therefore forced to choose between the two whether to choose undertaking the interrogation process using certain ethics that would probably not yield any confession. Or whether to use every technique in order to obtain the end results which is the confession. If ethics in interrogation existed then they would certainly not be found in coercion. Because coercion involves use of methods on a suspect that are meant to pressurize and presents a level of discomfort and lack of peace mentally that make a suspect yield to the demands of the interrogator. They involve such methods as bullying, harassment, physical force, intimidation including cruelty. It is certainly among the most degrading interrogation methods which are in no way ethical or humane. Therefore, interrogation is an effective method that is aimed at ensuring that the suspects release pertinent information. Although this has its own challenges, it should be the first method that the criminal agencies should employ. If this fails, then they should seek alternative methods which are normally more thorough and involve the use of force or inflicting pain. References Inbau, E. (2008). Law and Police Practice: Restrictions in the Law of Interrogation and Confessions. Criminal Law and Criminology. 89, 87-98. Kassin L. (2009). The Psychology of Confessions. Annual Review of Law and Social Science. 45, 22-35. Kassin, Appleby, Perillo (2010). Interviewing Suspects: Practice, Science, and Future Directions. Legal and Criminological Psychology. 67, 47-60. Michael, J., G. (2007). U.N. Convention Against Torture (CAT): Overview and Application to Interrogation Technique. Washington, DC: McGraw Hill Publishers.

Progression Of Music From The 1940s To The Present Essay -- essays res

Progression of Music From the 1940's To the Present The progression of music from the 1940's to the present has seen extremes, it has been controversial at times, traditional at times and inspirational at times, but never have the American people turned away music in its entirety. There have been times when parents did not approve of the music that their children chose to listen to, but the parents had never turned away music. Music has been criticized and promoted. Since the 40's music has progressed from Ballads (which were still lingering around from the 30's) to blues (popular among Blacks) to rock and roll, to pop, and back again. In the 1940's ballads were popular. Ballads were dancable music performed by big bands. They were composed of stringed instruments, wind insteruments, and a singer or two. This was the time period when music started to be broadcasted live over television and record albums were entering the home. (Hays) The 50's marked a beginning for a new era of music to be known as Rock & Roll. Many of the artists took advantage of the Electric guitar, developed for popular music in the 1930's but never really became popular until the 50's. Rock & Roll was a combination of many music styles in an upbeat sort of fashion. One example of when country had an impact on Rock & Roll was with Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jerry's career was huge, with his hits like "Whole Lotta Shakin' goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire". That is, his career was huge, until the it was made public that he fell in love with a married his 13 year old cousin. In 1957 Rock & Roll had been turned upsidedown when Buddy Holly hit the airwaves with "That'll be the Day." Buddy Holly rolled out hit after hit after hit. That is, until his plane went down in Iowa. He died at the young age of 22. That night his music was playing non-stop and has not stopped playing to this day. The blues and gospel of James Brown and Jackie Wilson was popular with the black community. "Someday, maybe someone will discover the reason that Chuck Berry, Do Diddley, Fats Domino, and Little Richard never connected with black audiences" (25 years,p15). This may be because they might have almost been embarrassed from their blues roots. In the 60's such st... ...n the 90's or present day, the synthesizer is still being used in dance and techno music. Also introduced into the 90's was the computer. The computer has been around a while, but not been used in the music industry. Today just about anyone can produce their music using this tool. Also metal has become more aggressive, popular and contains political lyrics. Lite rock has also developed and has captured the ears of many listeners. Music has progressed from fun to an industry in itself. People can now earn a living off of music, often luxurious life. Along with the music progressing the American people have progressed. The world of music continues to change and may never stop progressing until the world stops progressing. Footnotes 25 Years of Rock & Roll (USA:Lorelei Publishing Co. Inc.,1979) William Hay, Twentieth-Century Views of Music History (USA:Berne Convention.,1972) Bibliography 25 Years of Rock & Roll. USA:Lorelei Publishing Co. Inc.,1979 Ewen, David. American Popular Songs. New York:Random House, 1966 Hay, William. Twentieth-Century Views of Music History. USA:Berne Convention, 1972 Wilder, Alec. American Popular Song New York:Oxford University Press, 1972

Alchemist: Doubt and Perfect Disciple

Fatima Meeting Santiago- When I first met Santiago, there was something about him. I could not explain it then, and I doubt I ever will be able to. His eyes entrapped me, and he looked so gentle and sincere I could not help but smile! The way he looked at me was unlike anything else, it was almost as if he looked into my soul. We understood what the other was thinking without speaking any words. It was what the strange old man, the Alchemist was always talking about, the language of the world. Santiago Professing His Love- When he told me, I was shocked.So shocked I dropped the water vessel I was carrying. Stupidly, I thought how angry mother would be when she found out I got dirt on our water vase. Even though I knew I loved him from the first day we met, how could he be brave enough to say it aloud? This strange boy who believed in alchemy and Rim and Thumb, and who told me he loved me out of the blue, was everything I had been waiting for. I knew he had to find his treasure, and s o I told him I would wait for him, with hope and love. The Day He Left- The day Santiago left, was possibly the saddest day of my life.While I had told him I would look with hope, and that was true, I also looked with longing and desire. I missed him terribly, and it tortured me not knowing whether he missed me too. I put on a brave face for him, but inside I was reeling from the realization he may not come back. It was awful, and so I did not even bid him farewell on the day of his departure. I was worried I would drop the mask of bravery and independence and beg him to stay, and even worse he probably would. The Day He Returned- The day Santiago returned is one of the happiest days of my life.I looked to the desert as per usual, but I did not really expect him to be there. A few caravans had passed through before, but each one more disappointing than the last, because none of them came with Santiago. I was beginning to lose hope, and doubting if he would even come back at all. Per haps he had not found his treasure, or met a girl who had more to offer than me, a poor desert flower. The thought that tortured me the most, kept me from sleep, and made me pray even more than ever, was the possibility he had been caught in the middle of the tribal wars and died.But the day he returned I cried out with Joy, and ran into his welcoming arms. We were both finally at peace. The Alchemist My first impression of Santiago was bravery. He was young, but age is Just a number after all. So, when he read the sign of the hawks I thought maybe he could accompany me to the desert tomorrow. There, his training would begin. He could be the perfect disciple, after all. Santiago Finding Life in the Desert- Perhaps I was wrong. Finding life is usually one of the easiest tests I have in store for my students. Oh well, people are all different.Maybe he will fail the easy tests, but ace the difficult ones. If that even makes sense. The boy is different though. He seems to understand thi ngs that others are so blind to. As with the hawks, he can see what others cannot. Patience will have to be a virtue for me here. He said he does not even want to leave the oasis. I have never felt love for a woman, but I doubted it could be so strong you do not want to discover your Personal Legend Just so you are close to your significant other. This boy is definitely different from my other students, UT the perfect disciple?We shall see. Santiago Turning to Wind- I laughed. I laughed and laughed and laughed. Inside of course, I could not let the tribesmen know how overjoyed I was. You see, we alchemists have a reputation for being cool and calculating. But Oh how my heart soared! The perfect disciple, at last. He understood the Soul of the World! I was amazed and so proud. What a wonderful experience, listening in on their conversation. The desert and I are good friends, but when the Father himself Joined in it was absolutely delightful. Finally, the perfect disciple.Santiago Rea ction to Turning Lead to Gold- His expression was quite amusing. I think he doubted I could actually do it. Of course, I could turn myself into the wind, but I could not make gold. He asked if he could do that, but unfortunately for him, that is my Personal Legend. He understood, and I could see the excitement, the fireworks Just waiting to go off when I spoke of Personal Legends. I knew he was waiting for the Pyramids, so it was time for me to say goodbye to the one perfect disciple. What a sad day it was.